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Bulgaria |
Current Title: | Aviatzia Na Bulgarski Voennomorski Flot |
Title in English: | Bulgarian Naval Aviation |
Abbreviation: | AnBVMF |
Narrative Summary:
In 1959 three Bulgarian Navy crews began training on two Mi-4M helicopters. A dedicated anti-submarine air squadron was established in October of the same year. Initially, it was subordinate to the Air Force, and based at Vrazhdebna airport near Sofia. On 5 May 1961 the squadron was transferred to Chaika airport and subordinated to the Navy. In 1979 the Mi-4s were replaced by Mi-14 helicopters. On In September 1990 the squadron was renamed to its present title.
Key Dates: | ||
1959 | Naval helicopter crews begin training on the Mi-4. | |
14 October 1959 | Helicopter ASW Squadron was established. | |
5 May 1961 | Helicopter ASW Squadron transferred to full Navy control. | |
September 1990 | Naval aviation unit renamed to present title. |
Current Status:
Future Plans:
Bulgarian naval helicopters are used primarily for ASW and Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.
Take delivery of six AS.565 Panther helicopters from France.
Markings
National Insignia:
Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Main markingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed in three positions on helicopters: on the fuselage sides and under the fuselage. No fin flash is used. Recently overhauled Mi-14s carry an emblem, together with 'NAVY' and 'Voennomorski Sili' titles on both sides of the fuselage.
Bulgarian naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force - a unique three figure number for each airframe.
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designation System(s):
Current Aircraft Inventory:
All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Aircraft NOT Used:
None - Manufacturers designations used
Click on aircraft type for more details
* on order.
Aircraft Type
Total
Del'd Total
Now Role
Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther
6*
-
ASW/SAR
France
Mil Mi-14BT Haze
2
1
Transport
USSR
Mil Mi-14PL Haze
9
4
ASW/SAR
USSR
Click on aircraft type for more details
* on order.
Aircraft Type
Quantity
Service Entry
Retirement
Origin
Eurocopter AS.565MB Panther
6*
2010
-
France
Kamov Ka-25Tz, Hormone
1
1984
1991
USSR
Mil Mi-4A, Hound
2?
1965
1979
USSR
Mil Mi-4M, Hound
4?
1959
1979
USSR
Mil Mi-14BT, Haze
2
1979
current
USSR
Mil Mi-14PL, Haze
9
1979
current
USSR
False reports of aircraft on order or in service - none known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters:
Current Organisational Structure:
Current Order of Battle:
Historical Orders of Battle:
All-Time Flying Units List:
Sofia.
The Bulgarian naval air arm comprises one helicopter squadron. Initially called the OPLEV-VMF (Otdelna Protivolodachna Eskadrila na VMF - Independent ASW Squadron of the Navy), it was later renamed to its present title.
Click on unit title for more details
* = Independent Naval Helicopter Squadron
Squadron
Type
Base
Otdelna Morska Eskadrila Vertoleti*
Mil-14PL/BT
Tchaika
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases:
All-Time Air Bases Used List:
All helicopters are operated from the naval base at Tchaika, on the east coast.
To be added
More Information
Books:
To be added
Magazines:
Air Forces Monthly May 1998
Websites:
Air Forces Monthly January 2001
World Air Power Journal No.36
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First Created: 30 November 2001 - Last Revised: 22 June 2008
Copyright © 2001 John Hayles. e-mail: john@aeroflight.co.uk